1. health and fitness
2. disease

REVIEW
URRENT
C
OPINION
Innovative devices for advanced heart failure:
exploring the current state and future direction of
device therapies
Jonathan Grinstein a and Daniel Burkhoff b
Purpose of review
Despite improvements in medical and device therapies for the treatment of heart failure, the incidence and
prevalence of heart failure continue to increase. Given the relative stagnation in new pharmacologic
therapies, considerable attention has been given in recent years to device therapies to supplement care in
patients with advanced heart failure. Recent successful clinical trial results with an angiotensin–neprilysin
inhibitor are not expected to change this situation significantly; the drug has been shown to delay, not
eliminate, the progression of heart failure. This review focuses on the technologies that are currently in
development for the treatment of advanced heart failure.
Recent findings
Novel devices that involve electrical, neurohormonal or structural remodeling of the heart that can be
inserted either percutaneously or with a minimally invasive surgery are currently at various stages of clinical
development. All, however, have shown promising clinical results in preclinical and early clinical studies.
Summary
Novel device therapies for advanced heart failure continue to show promising clinical results. Randomized
controlled trials are still needed to better evaluate their efficacy. Nevertheless, it can be anticipated that at
least several of these devices will be among the armamentarium of treatment options for advanced heart
failure in the future.
Keywords
cardiac remodeling, device therapy, heart failure
INTRODUCTION
Despite improvements in medical and device therapies for treating patients with advanced heart failure, the incidence and prevalence of heart failure
continue to increase. An estimated 5.1 million
adults in the United States have heart failure, and
among adults over the age of 65 years, the incidence
of heart failure is approaching 10 per 1000 population [1]. Medical management of chronic heart
failure has led to significant improvements in morbidity and mortality [2]. Unfortunately, in the past 2
decades, there has been little advancement in novel
drug targets in advanced heart failure with the
notable exception of an angiotensin–neprilysin
inhibitor [3 ].
Given the noted stagnation in pharmacologic
growth, considerable attention has been given in
recent years to device-based therapies to supplement care in patients with advanced heart failure.
Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is the
&
most well-known and successful device therapy in
heart failure to date. CRT provides electromechanical coordination and improves ventricular synchrony by simultaneous pacing behind the left
ventricle and in the right ventricular apex. CRT
therapy has been shown to improve 6-min walk
distance, rate of hospitalization for worsening heart
failure, and survival in symptomatic patients with
reduced ejection fraction and conduction delay
[4,5]. Guidelines strongly recommend CRT for
a
Section of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago,
Chicago, Illinois and bDivision of Cardiology, Columbia University, New
York, New York, USA
Correspondence to Jonathan Grinstein, MD, Section of Cardiology,
University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, MC
6080, Chicago, IL 60637, USA. E-mail: jonathan.grinstein@uchospitals.
edu
Curr Opin Cardiol 2015, 30:267–276
DOI:10.1097/HCO.0000000000000169
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Cardiac failure
KEY POINTS
Device therapy in advanced heart failure is in various
stages of clinical development and works by promoting
adaptive remodeling of the heart.
Devices that apply electrical stimulation to various
components of the cardiovascular system favorably
rebalance the neurohormonal system in heart failure.
Devices that alter the structural integrity of the heart in
advanced heart failure allow more favorable
reverse remodeling.
patients with a left bundle branch block pattern,
left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 35% or less,
QRS duration at least 150 ms and New York Heart
Association (NYHA) class III or IV symptoms [class I,
level of evidence (LOE) A] or NYHA class II (class I,
LOE B). Interestingly, CRT in patients with QRS
duration less than 120 ms may actually worsen outcomes [6 ].
The success of CRT resulted in significant interest in development of device-based therapies for
advanced heart failure. Several newer implantable
devices and minimally invasive techniques aimed at
disease modification are currently at varying stages
of clinical evaluation. The remainder of this review
will focus on the next generation of implantable
devices that are currently being studied in heart
failure.
&
ELECTRICAL REMODELING AND
NEUROMODULATION
Devices that use electrical stimulation to alter the
neurohormonal milieu of the cardiovascular system
are becoming increasingly popular. The following
represents the most promising technology in this
growing field (Table 1).
Cardiac contractility modulation
A major limitation of CRT is the requirement for a
prolonged QRS duration. It is estimated that only a
quarter of heart failure patients have a prolonged
QRS duration and, thus, are candidates for CRT [7].
In addition, as many as 18–52% of patients receiving CRT are considered nonresponders [8]. Cardiac
contractility modulation (CCM) was introduced on
the heels of CRT regulatory approvals as a means of
improving left ventricular contractile function,
independently of the QRS duration [9]. CCM signals
are nonexcitatory signals that are applied during the
absolute refractory period of the cardiac action
potential (Fig. 1). CCM works by altering
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cardiomyocyte calcium handling [9]. In dog models
of heart failure, treatment with CCM for 3 months
led to a normalization of levels of phosphorylated
phospholamban and increased expression of sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca transport ATPase (SERCA2a) and the ryanodine receptor [10]. The CCM
currently works locally at the site of impulse transmission but can also impact, over time, remote
areas; thus, it can have some effect on global reverse
ventricular remodeling [10].
The FIX-HF-4 study was the first randomized
controlled study to evaluate the safety and efficacy
of the CCM system in human subjects. One hundred
and sixty-four patients with an LVEF of less than
35% and NYHA class II or III symptoms received
a CCM generator (OPTIMER system, Impulse
Dynamics, Orangeburg, New York, USA) and were
randomized to 12 weeks of treatment or sham [11].
The coprimary endpoints of peak oxygen consumption (VO2) and quality of life assessed with the
Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire
(MLWHFQ) both significantly improved with treatment. Importantly, there were no differences in the
rate of adverse events between the active and sham
arms [11].
FIX-HF-4 was underpowered to detect significant differences in mortality or heart failure admission rates. FIX-HF-5 attempted to shed additional
light on the role of CCM by enrolling a sicker patient
population [12]. In this multicenter study conducted across 50 centers in the United States, 428
patients with NYHA class III and IV symptoms and
an ejection fraction (EF) less than 35% were randomized 1 : 1 to either the OPTIMIZER System and
optimal medical therapy or optimal medical therapy
alone. The primary efficacy endpoint of ventilatory
anaerobic threshold at 6 months was not met, but
there was a significant improvement in the secondary endpoints of peak VO2, which improved by
0.65 ml/kg/min (P ¼ 0.024), and MLWHFQ, which
improved by 9.7 points (P < 0.0001). In a prespecified subgroup analysis, patients with an EF more
than 25% and NYHA class III symptoms had a
significant increase in ventilatory anaerobic
threshold (0.64 ml/kg/min, P ¼ 0.03), peak VO2
(1.31 ml/kg/min, P ¼ 0.01), MLWHFQ (10.8 points,
P ¼ 0.03) and NYHA status (0.29, P ¼ 0.001) at
6 months. Based on these observations, it is speculated that the secondary remodeling that occurs
with CCM may be more efficacious in hearts with
only modestly reduced ejection fractions, which
have more contractile reserve than hearts with lower
ejection fractions. The FIX-HF-5c study will further
explore the effects of CCM in patients with only
modestly reduced LVEF (25–45%), NYHA class III
and IV heart failure and normal QRS duration [13].
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Increases central vagal
tone, normalizes badrenergic signaling and
nitric oxide handling
Improves cellular work
efficiency and alters
nitric oxide handling,
leading to redistribution
of coronary flow
#TNF-a, IL-6 and CRP
Lengthens epicardial action
potential duration and
lowers vulnerability to
VF. Decreases ventricular
fibrosis and inflammation
Improves systolic and
diastolic function;
increases threshold for
ventricular arrhythmias in
dog models. Lowers
blood pressure in human
studies
Improves NYHA class,
peak VO2, quality of life
and LVEF. Improves
cardiac work efficiency
Improves quality of life,
NYHA class, 6MWT.
May improve LVEF
Effect greatest in patients
with NYHA class III
CHF and EF 25%
Increases strength of left
ventricular contraction;
increases peak VO2 and
quality of life
Clinical effect
HOPE4HF
RCT of BAT in patients
with symptomatic heart
failure with elevated
blood pressure and
LVEF 40%
XR-1 HF
RCT of BAT in patients with
EF 35% and NYHA
class III symptoms
RCT of SCS in patients
with EF 35%, NYHA
class III symptoms and
QRS <120 ms
DEFEAT-HF
RCT VNS in patients with
EF 40%, QRS
<120 ms and NYHA
class III symptoms
INNOVATE-HF
RCT of CCM in patients with
moderately reduced LVEF
(25–45%), QRS <130 ms
and NYHA class III or IV
symptoms
FIX-HF-5c
Ongoing trials
6MWT, six-minute walk test; BAT, baroreflex activation therapy; CCM, cardiac contractility modulation; CHF, congestive heart failure; CRP, C-reactive protein; DEFEAT-HF, determining the feasibility of spinal cord
neuromodulation for the treatment of chronic heart failure; EF, ejection fraction; HOPE4HF, hope for heart failure; IL, interleukin; INNOVATE-HF, Increase of vagal tone in congestive heart failure; NCX, natrium calcium
exchanger; RCT, randomized controlled trial; SCS, spinal cord stimulation; SERCA, sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca transport ATPase; TNF, tumor necrosis factor; VF, ventricular fibrillation; VNS, vagal nerve stimulation.
Activate baroreceptors that
in turn activate efferent
vagal nerve fibers
Carotid sinus
stimulation
Stimulate preganglionic
parasympathetic neurons
in the brainstem, which
runs within the vagus
nerve
Stimulate afferent spinal
nerve fibers leading to
increased vagal tone
and deceased
sympathetic tone
Reproduced with
permission from
BioControl Medical [23]
Reproduced with
permission from Impulse
Dynamics [13]
Improves cellular calcium
handling
Nonexcitatory electrical
signal delivered during
the absolute refractory
period
"SERCA2a, NCX,
phosphorylated
phospholamban
Cellular effects
Mechanism of action
SCS
VNS
CCM
Device
Table 1. Electrical and neuromodulation devices in heart failure
Innovative devices for heart failure Grinstein and Burkhoff
269
Cardiac failure
s)
s)
0
m
y
a
el
D
(3
n
30
m
(
io
t
ra
CCM
u
D
+ 20 mA
– 20 mA
Detect local
activation
Muscle force
Absolute
refractory period
FIGURE 1. Timing and characteristics of CCM signal. CCM, cardiac contractility modulation.
Vagal nerve stimulation
Part of the body’s adaptation to the chronic heart
failure state is heightened sympathetic tone and
reduced parasympathetic tone. Dog models suggest
that there is impaired electrical transmission from
the preganglionic to postganglionic parasympathetic neurons via the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in animals with heart failure [14]. This then
leads to a compensatory increase in cardiac muscarinic receptors [15]. The postganglionic nicotinic
receptors are agonist dependent, and efferent transmission can be enhanced by chronic stimulation of
the preganglionic fibers [16].
Cervical vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) has
therefore become an intriguing target for heart failure management. VNS has anti-inflammatory and
antifibrotic effects that can lead to ventricular
reverse remodeling with improvements in ventricular dimensions and ejection fraction [17,18]. The
Neural cardiac therapy for heart failure (NECTARHF) trial was the first randomized controlled trial of
the safety and efficacy of VNS in heart failure.
Ninety-six patients with NYHA class II or III heart
failure with an LVEF 35% or less and left ventricular
end diastolic dimension (LVEDD) at least 55 mm
were enrolled in the study. All patients had the
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Precision system (Boston Scientific Corporation,
St Paul, Minnesota, USA) implanted around their
right vagus nerve and randomized 2 : 1 to treatment
or control. There was no difference in the primary
endpoint of change in left ventricular end-systolic
diameter [19]. Patient blinding, however, was suboptimal in this study as patients were able to sense
whether or not they were receiving stimulation
[20].
The Autonomic Neural Regulation Therapy to
Enhance Myocardial Function in Heart Failure
(ANTHEM-HF) study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the Cyberonics VNS Therapy System (Cyberonics, Houston, Texas, USA). Sixty patients with
NYHA class II or III heart failure with an LVEF
40% or less were implanted with the device. Device
therapy led to an improvement in left ventricular
end-systolic volume (4.1 ml), left ventricular endsystolic diameter (1.7 mm), LVEF (4.5%), heart rate
variability (17 ms), 6-min walk test (56 m) and
NYHA class in 77% of patients at 6 months when
compared with baseline [21]. The ANTHEM-HF
study demonstrated the feasibility of the Cyberonics
system; however, a randomized controlled trial is
still needed to further evaluate the efficacy of the
device.
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Innovative devices for heart failure Grinstein and Burkhoff
The Increase of vagal tone in congestive heart
failure (INNOVATE-HF) trial is the largest trial to
date investigating the role of VNS in heart failure. It
is an event-driven, randomized controlled trial
testing the CardioFit system (BioControl Medical,
Yehud, Israel) that is currently ongoing. The trial
hopes to enroll 650 patients on optimal medical
therapy with NYHA class III heart failure with an
LVEF 40% or less, QRS duration 120 ms or less and
left ventricular end-diastolic diameter between 50
and 80 mm and randomize them in a 3 : 2 ratio for
either treatment or control [22]. The study plans to
follow patients for at least 1 year following enrollment and will be powered to detect any difference in
the combined primary efficacy endpoint of all-cause
mortality and heart failure hospitalizations [23]. A
comparison of the different VNS devices currently
under investigation is found in Table 2.
Spinal cord stimulation
Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) was first introduced in
1967 for the treatment of intractable pain [24].
Within cardiology, SCS is used for end-stage and
refractory angina in patients with coronary artery
disease and coronary syndrome X as well as severe
symptoms of claudication in patients with peripheral arterial disease [25–27]. The peridural space is
accessed at the L2-L3 level under fluoroscopy and
the SCS leads are then advanced to either the lower
cervical or the upper thoracic level of the spinal cord
and positioned close to the dorsal horn fibers. The
pulse generator is implanted in the subcutaneous
space, in either the low back or the upper buttocks,
and the leads are then tunneled in the subcutaneous
space [24].
SCS applied to the low cervical (C7-C8) or upper
thoracic (T1-T6) levels leads to reflex activation of
sympathetic and parasympathetic nerves with a
reequilibration in favor of the parasympathetic system [28,29]. Preclinical studies suggested that SCS
decreases myocardial oxygen demand by improving
cardiac work efficiency and lowering peripheral vascular resistance, while at the same time improving
cardiac output [30]. In canine models, SCS reduces
the rate of ventricular tachyarrhythmias, improves
LVEF and lowers circulating B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels [31].
The first randomized study of SCS in heart failure was recently reported by Torre-Amione et al.
[32]. In this prospective, randomized, double-blind,
crossover pilot study, nine patients with NYHA class
III heart failure with an LVEF 30% or less and who
had been hospitalized or received inotropic support
in the past year underwent SCS system implant
(St Jude Medical, Plano, Texas, USA) at the T1-T4
level. Patients were randomized to either 3 months
with the device active (SCS-ACTIVE) or disabled
(SCS-INACTIVE) followed by crossover to the other
treatment. During SCS-ACTIVE phase 5, patients
improved at least one NYHA class, and six patients
had an improvement in their quality-of-life score.
There was minimal overall change, however, in BNP
or LVEF while receiving active therapy.
The safety and efficacy of SCS were also prospectively studied in the Spinal Cord Stimulation for
Heart Failure (SCS HEART) study [33]. Seventeen
men with NYHA class III heart failure and LVEF
between 20 and 35% underwent SCS system implant
(St Jude Medical) at the T1-T3 level. The devices were
programmed to provide SCS continuously, and
safety and efficacy were assessed at 6 months. Compared with baseline, SCS therapy led to improved
NYHA class (3.0 vs. 2.1, P ¼ 0.002), MLWHFQ (42 vs.
27, P ¼ 0.026), peak VO2 (14.6 ml/kg/kg vs. 16.5 ml/
min/kg, P ¼ 0.013), LVEF (25 vs. 37%, P < 0.001) and
left ventricular end-systolic volume (174 vs. 140 ml,
P ¼ 0.002). The device was safely implanted in all
patients without major complications, and there
were no treatment-related major adverse events.
The results of the Determining the feasibility of
spinal cord neuromodulation for the treatment of
chronic heart failure (DEFEAT-HF) study, a randomized, single-blinded study, were recently reported at
the 2014 American Heart Association’s Scientific
Sessions [34]. Patients with NYHA class III heart
failure with an LVEF of 35% or less, QRS duration
of 120 ms or less and LVEDD between 55 and 80 mm
were implanted with PrimeADVANCED Neurostimulator (Medtronic Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota,
Table 2. Comparison of vagal nerve stimulators
Device (manufacturer)
CardioFit system (BioControl Medical) [22]
Pulse width
(ms)
Frequency
(Hz)
Active/inactive
(duty cycle %)
Output
(mean, SD) (mA)
500
1–3
2 s/6 s (25)
4.1 1.1
Precision System (Boston Scientific) [19]
300
20
10 s/ 50 s (16.7)
1.4 0.8
Cyberonics VNS Therapy System (Cyberonics) [21]
250
10
14 s/66 s (17.5)
2.0 0.6
VNS, vagal nerve stimulation.
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271
Cardiac failure
USA). Patients were then randomized in a 3 : 2
fashion to either 6 months of therapy with SCS
stimulation for 12 h a day (SCS On) or no therapy
for 6 months (SCS Off). After 6 months, both the SCS
On and SCS Off groups had their devices turned on
and followed. With therapy, there was no difference
in the primary endpoint of change in left ventricular
end-systolic volume index or in the secondary endpoints of change in peak VO2 and change in
N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic peptide
(NT-proBNP) [34]. Unfortunately, the trial was
underpowered, and the role of SCS, if any, remains
unclear.
Carotid sinus stimulation
As part of the maladaptive autonomic dysregulation
of heart failure, patients with congestive heart failure undergo suppression of their baroreceptors [35].
Baroreceptors are embedded in the walls of arterial
vessels and are preferentially concentrated in the
carotid artery and the aortic arch [36]. In response to
increases in arterial blood pressure, there is withdrawal of sympathetic tone and activation of efferent vagal nerve fibers [37]. Electrical stimulation of
the baroreceptor fibers within the carotid sinus has
been studied clinically in the treatment of resistant
hypertension and is currently being studied in
heart failure.
Preclinical studies with Baroreflex activation
therapy (BAT) suggest that long-term electrical activation of the baroreflex can improve left ventricular
systolic function and the rate of relaxation and can
promote reverse ventricular remodeling in dog
models [38]. In early clinical studies in humans,
chronic BAT led to a reduction in healthcare utilization among a cohort of 11 patients receiving barostimulation therapy with the CVRx Neo System
(CVRx, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA) [39].
Two randomized controlled trials are currently
underway investigating BAT in heart failure patients
with both reduced and preserved ejection fraction,
respectively. The hope for heart failure (HOPE4HF)
trial is evaluating the safety and efficacy of the Rheos
system (CVRx) in patients with an ejection fraction
at least 40% [40]. The Barostim Neo system in the
treatment of heart failure (XR1-HF) study recently
completed enrollment of 140 patients with an LVEF
35% or less and NYHA class III symptoms. Patients
were randomized 1 : 1 to either optimal medical
therapy or optimal medical therapy and the CVRx
Neo System (CVRx) [41].
MINIMALLY INVASIVE STRUCTURAL
REMODELING
Several new devices aimed to circumvent the adaptive remodeling common in heart failure are
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currently in clinical investigation. The following
highlights a few of the more promising technologies
(Table 3).
Controlled interatrial shunts
Elevated left ventricular end-diastolic and left atrial
pressures are common in heart failure with both
reduced and preserved ejection fraction. Patients
with persistently elevated left-sided filling pressures
develop symptoms of pulmonary edema and have
frequent heart failure hospitalizations. Left heart
decompression via either surgical or balloon atrial
septostomy has been useful in select cases of acute
decompensated heart failure [44,45].
The V-Wave device (V-Wave Ltd, Or Akiva,
Israel) is a percutaneously implanted device that
acts as a unidirectional left-to-right shunt in
patients with left-sided heart failure. The device is
implanted into the interatrial septum and is made
of a nitinol frame covered with an expandable
polytetrafluoroethylene membrane with a trileaflet
porcine pericardial tissue valve sutured inside. The
valve acts as a pressure-dependent, one-way valve
that allows flow from the left atrium to the right
atrium whenever the pressure differential exceeds
5 mmHg. Preclinical studies of the V-Wave device in
a sheep model of heart failure showed that the
device significantly lowered left atrial pressure without increasing right atrial pressure, with concomitant preservation of LVEF [46].
The feasibility of the V-Wave device was recently
reported at EuroPCR 2014. Preliminary data from
five patients showed continued safety of the device
with a reduction in NT-proBNP and significant
improvement in peak VO2 (11.8 vs. 14.2 ml/kg/min,
P ¼ 0.034) and 6-min walk time (284 vs. 326 m,
P ¼ 0.003) compared with baseline [47]. The VWSP-1 study is a prospective, open label, single-arm
study in patients with LVEF between 15 and 40%
and NYHA class III or IV heart failure, which is
currently enrolling to study the safety and efficacy
of the V-Wave device [48].
Similarly, the feasibility of the InterAtrial Shunt
Device (IASD) system (DC Devices Inc, Cambridge,
Massachusetts, USA) in 11 patients with heart failure
with preserved ejection fraction was recently
reported [49]. Patients with an EF more than 45%
with a baseline pulmonary capillary wedge pressure
more than 15 mmHg at rest or more than 25 mmHg
with exercise with persistent NYHA class III or IV
heart failure were percutaneously implanted with
the IASD system. The device was safely implanted in
all patients with an average reduction in the pulmonary capillary wedge pressure by 5.5 mmHg
(P ¼ 0.005) [50]. The REDUCE LAP-HF trial is an
ongoing, single-arm, open label study to evaluate
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Reproduced with
permission from [43]
Reproduced with
permission from [42]
Transcatheter approach
(Parachute device and
Revivent TC)
Surgical approach
(Revivent)
Transcatheter approach
Decompresses left ventricle
and left atrium via a oneway left to right shunt
Mechanically isolates
scarred and
dysfunctional
myocardium leading to
improved ventricular
shape and mechanics
Procedural details
Mechanism of action
Improves NYHA class and
quality of life; reduces
left ventricular systolic
and diastolic volumes
Improves left-sided filling
pressures, quality of life,
peak VO2 and 6MWT
Clinical effect
PARACHUTE IV
RCT of the Parachute
device in patients with
an EF between 15 and
35%, prior anterior MI
with scar and NYHA
class III or IV symptoms
CONFIGURE-HF
Non-RCT of the Revivent
system in patients with an
EF between 15 and 45%
and prior anterior MI with
scar
VW-SP-1
Non-RCT of the V-Wave
shunt in patients with
an EF between 15 and
40% and NYHA
class III or IV symptoms
REDUCE LAP-HF
Non-RCT of the IASD
system II in patients with
an EF >40% and NYHA
class II–IV symptoms
Ongoing trials
6MWT, six-minute walk test; CONFIGURE-HF, prospective study of the BioVentrix PliCath HF System for the treatment of ischemic cardiomyopathy; IASD, InterAtrial Shunt Device; MI, myocardial infarction; RCT,
randomized controlled trial; VW-SP-1, the V-wave shunt: First in man safety and feasibility study.
Ventricular
restoration
Controlled interatrial
shunts
Device
Table 3. Structural remodeling devices in heart failure
Innovative devices for heart failure Grinstein and Burkhoff
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273
Cardiac failure
the safety and efficacy of the IASD System II (DC
Devices Inc.) to reduce elevated left atrial pressure in
patients with an LVEF of more than 40% and NYHA
class II, III or IV heart failure [51].
Ventricular restoration
Left ventricular remodeling in heart failure leads to
progressive left ventricular chamber dilation and
myocardial fibrosis. Surgical ventricular reconstruction, as a means to alter left ventricular volume,
shape and physiology, was studied in earnest as a
means to improve ventricular function and improve
neurohormonal balance [52]. Optimism for surgical
ventricular reconstruction waned following the
surgical treatment of ischemic heart failure (STICH)
study, which failed to show a reduction in the
composite endpoint of death and hospitalization
from cardiac causes [53]. However, the study was
criticized for several limitations, including lack of
consistent reduction of left ventricular volume and
inclusion of inappropriate patients.
The Parachute device (CardioKinetix Inc.,
Menlo Park, California, USA) is a percutaneous
ventricular partitioning device that separates the
left ventricular apex from the main part of the
chamber. The Parachute device is a partitioning
membrane shaped like an umbrella with 16 struts
made of a self-expanding nitinol frame covered in
an polytetrafluoroethylene membrane. The device
forms an occlusive barrier that seals off the apical
portion of the ventricle. The division is intended to
reduce myocardial stress in the dynamic chamber
[54]. Ovine models in which the Parachute device
was tested showed a reduction in left ventricular size
and improved left ventricular systolic function [55].
The feasibility of the device was tested in the
PARACHUTE trial, which was a prospective, singlearm study of 39 patients with prior anterior myocardial infarction with anteroapical akinesis or
dyskinesis with LVEF 40% or less and NYHA class
II to IV heart failure. Ninety-one percent of patients
underwent successful implantation. At 12 months
after device implantation, there was a significant
improvement in NYHA class (2.5 vs. 1.3, P < 0.001)
and quality of life assessed by the MLWHFQ (38.6 vs.
28.4, P < 0.02) [54]. Three-year follow-up in 23 of the
original participants showed a maintenance of the
improved NYHA class in 85% of the patients [56].
PARACHUTE III is an ongoing multinational,
observational study of postmarked European
patients who have already received the Parachute
device. Preliminary results of 12-month clinical data
from 111 consecutive patients presented at American College of Cardiology 2014 revealed a high
procedural success rate of 96%, sustained reduction
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in left ventricular volumes, improvement in LVEF
(28.4 vs. 30.4%, P < 0.05) and improvement in
6-min walk time performance (365 vs. 390 m,
P < 0.05) [57]. The efficacy and long-term safety of
the Parachute device will be thoroughly studied in
the PARACHUTE IV, the pivotal randomized control
trial [43].
Another approach to ventricular reconstruction
is offered by the Revivent Myocardial Anchoring
System (BioVentrix Inc., San Ramon, California,
USA). This system is composed of articulating, polyester-covered titanium anchors mounted on a polyethylene-ether-ether-ketone tether. The system is
delivered either via a minimally invasive surgery
or percutaneously through an endovascular
approach, and the anchors are then deployed
through the left ventricular free wall and interventricular septum around an area of anterior myocardial scar. A unidirectional anchor then allows
apposition of the left ventricular free wall at the
scar perimeter to the septum, effectively isolating
the scarred area from the rest of the ventricle [58].
When delivered surgically, the Revivent system led
to a sustained reduction of left ventricular end-systolic volume index and left ventricular end-diastolic
volume index at 6 and 12 months after surgery [58].
The CONFIGURE-HF study is a prospective, singlearm study currently studying the safety and efficacy
of the minimally invasive surgical deployment system [59].
CONCLUSION
In summary, several novel devices targeting electrical, neurohormonal and structural remodeling of
the heart are currently being studied in patients
with heart failure. Although several of the aforementioned devices are only in the early stages of
clinical development, it is anticipated that some
of these technologies will ultimately be among
the growing armamentarium for the treatment of
advanced and end-stage heart failure.
Acknowledgements
None.
Financial support and sponsorship
None.
Conflicts of interest
D.B. is an employee of HeartWare International. He
serves on the advisory boards of DC Devices, Sorin,
Sensible Medical and Cardiac Implants. He receives an
educational grant from Abiomed. J.G. has no conflict of
interest.
Volume 30 Number 3 May 2015
Copyright © 2015 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.
Innovative devices for heart failure Grinstein and Burkhoff
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